From kingmakers to survival mode: Goa’s regional parties face uncertain future

Panaji: As Goa heads towards the 2027 assembly elections, the state’s regional political parties appear to be at a crossroads, battling internal crises, defections and shrinking influence amid the growing dominance of national parties.

The latest turmoil within Revolutionary Goans (RG), one of Goa’s newest regional outfits, has once again brought into focus the uncertain future of regional politics in the state. Once seen as a fresh political alternative, RG is now grappling with a severe internal crisis that observers believe could threaten its survival.

Goa has more than a dozen registered regional parties, including the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), Goa Forward Party (GFP) and RG, all of which have had representation in the state legislative assembly. Yet, with the 2027 elections barely 10 months away, questions are being raised over how many of these parties will remain politically relevant and whether they can still influence government formation.

MGP, Goa’s oldest regional party, scripted history by forming the first govt in liberated Goa, and remained in office for 16 consecutive years between 1963 and 1979. However, the rise of Congress in 1980 ended the party’s dominance and marked the gradual decline of regional political power in the state.

Since then, no regional party has independently formed govt in Goa, though several have played the role of kingmakers in coalition arrangements. Over the years, regional outfits have often emerged through splits within larger parties, only to later align with national parties to remain politically relevant.

Senior advocate and political observer Cleofato Coutinho said regional parties in Goa have increasingly lost public trust due to the absence of ideological commitment.

“The craving for power, without values and ideology, has led to this situation. Power at any cost, with development used as bait, has lulled the citizenry into submission,” Coutinho said.

According to political observers, regional parties in Goa are frequently floated by leaders seeking to preserve their political relevance, but many struggle to sustain themselves once influential members shift loyalties to national parties.

Coutinho said RG initially generated hope among voters looking for an alternative political voice in Goa. “RG had created hope as the ‘boys’ were talking some sense, though occasionally nonsense too. Still, they showed more credibility than our regular politicians. I believe ego clashes and leadership issues came in the way. RG has almost crashed to a point of no return after the top two leaders clashed,” he said.

He also recalled how GFP had once raised hopes of building a credible third front in the state.

“We in Goa, unlike states of the old Madras Presidency, do not accept glamour politicians. In any case, we currently do not have anybody with the credibility and integrity that the times demand,” Coutinho added.

Political analysts point out that many regional parties in Goa have enjoyed only short-lived relevance. Several outfits that emerged during election cycles eventually faded away after losing political ground. These include Save Goa Front, founded in 2007 by former chief minister Churchill Alemao, and Goa Rajiv Congress Party (GRCP), launched in 1998 by former chief minister Wilfred de Souza.

Despite their limited electoral success, regional parties have remained significant players in coalition politics over the last two decades. MGP, in particular, has aligned itself with multiple ruling dispensations and continues to remain part of BJP-led govt in the state.

At present, both GFP and RG are attempting to expand their organisational presence ahead of the 2027 elections, while MGP continues its alliance with BJP.

However, defections continue to remain one of the biggest challenges for regional outfits. Even after winning seats, several parties have struggled to retain their MLAs.

In the 2017 assembly elections, MGP won three seats, but within two years, two of its MLAs joined BJP following a split in the party. Similarly, GFP legislators resigned during the previous tenure, with one later joining BJP ahead of the 2022 assembly elections.

The trend has not been confined to regional parties alone. Congress too suffered major setbacks in Goa in both 2019 and 2022, when a majority of its MLAs defected to BJP.

As the state moves closer to the 2027 polls, the coming months may determine whether regional outfits can reinvent themselves or continue their gradual decline in Goan politics.